| Hiking 101 |
When I was a bit younger, our idea of camping was to pack our food, water, and other
essentials into a pack basket, roll our sleeping bags into sheet plastic (which doubled for
tents), and climbed the local mountains, where we would "camp out" for the weekend. I can
not remember how many times my friends and I did this sort of activity, but it was many.
Since those times in my youth I have advanced not only my hiking style, but also the type and
quality of hiking gear. Now, I don't take the steepest or the longest trail, and I pace myself for
the day. Longer hikes require much more equipment, logistical planning, and supplies. But
even on a day hike, you need to be prepared. Hiking into an area and finding that you have
forgotten something essential can ruin your day. Also remember that you will be using a lot
of energy, so eat a good breakfast before leaving.
Plan your hike. Read and learn about the area you will be hiking. Look at maps, use your
GPS if you're inclined, and let people know your plans. Even a short hike has elements of
concern if you are not prepared.
Hiking boots: Don't be cheap. Buy yourself a quality pair of hiking boots. Make sure they
fit properly and that you break them in prior to hiking in them. Having blisters half way to your
destination really takes the fun out of your adventure. Your new boots need to give you
strong ankle support. By having your ankle properly supported, you can save yourself the
pain and agony of sprained ankles, and twisted knees. A quality hiking boot also will give
you better traction. Your trail will not be anything like the sidewalk running down main street.
You will be climbing over rocks, through water where those rocks are wet and slippery, and
other of mother nature's obstacles. If you want to be cheap, don't choose this item.
Along with the boots comes a good pair of wool hiking socks and an inner pair of
polypropylene liners. The liners will transfer your perspiration away from your foot to the
wool sock, keeping your feet dry.
A fleece pull over is essential also. Temperature changes with altitude. The positives of a
fleece jacket or pull over is that they are warm, light weight, dry quickly, and the are easy to
clean and pack.
Now you need something to carry all your equipment in, and a plastic bag from WalMart isn't
going to work. A good pack is of strong durable material, has the proper room to pack your
gear and has an internal frame system. Properly used, the frame transfers the weight of
your pack to other parts of your body instead of just your shoulders and back.
Canteens have been around for years and work fine. The same with water bottles. But
the best way to go is a hydration system. This consists of a bladder, carried on your back
or the pack itself. A tube is connected to this bladder for quick and simple drinking and works
the same way as a straw. Remember: Keep yourself hydrated.
Now we come to food. You need something that is high energy, and weights little. On a
day trip this is not a problem. One meal, and enough snacks to keep up your energy. Dried
soups, such as Lipton, dehydrated meals where you just add water, or a MRE (meals ready
to eat, not the old fashion C Rations type is another option) Trail mix* and high energy bars
will keep you going between major meals. Trail mix recipes abound and they are very easy to
make.
A hiking stick or staff will be of a great help also. They help you balance, assist you when
crossing streams, and you can use them as a crutch if you opt to buy cheap hiking boots.
Other items: sunglasses, small first aid kit, water proof matches, compass, map of area, and
a good knife, rain gear or at least an emergency poncho.
essentials into a pack basket, roll our sleeping bags into sheet plastic (which doubled for
tents), and climbed the local mountains, where we would "camp out" for the weekend. I can
not remember how many times my friends and I did this sort of activity, but it was many.
Since those times in my youth I have advanced not only my hiking style, but also the type and
quality of hiking gear. Now, I don't take the steepest or the longest trail, and I pace myself for
the day. Longer hikes require much more equipment, logistical planning, and supplies. But
even on a day hike, you need to be prepared. Hiking into an area and finding that you have
forgotten something essential can ruin your day. Also remember that you will be using a lot
of energy, so eat a good breakfast before leaving.
Plan your hike. Read and learn about the area you will be hiking. Look at maps, use your
GPS if you're inclined, and let people know your plans. Even a short hike has elements of
concern if you are not prepared.
Hiking boots: Don't be cheap. Buy yourself a quality pair of hiking boots. Make sure they
fit properly and that you break them in prior to hiking in them. Having blisters half way to your
destination really takes the fun out of your adventure. Your new boots need to give you
strong ankle support. By having your ankle properly supported, you can save yourself the
pain and agony of sprained ankles, and twisted knees. A quality hiking boot also will give
you better traction. Your trail will not be anything like the sidewalk running down main street.
You will be climbing over rocks, through water where those rocks are wet and slippery, and
other of mother nature's obstacles. If you want to be cheap, don't choose this item.
Along with the boots comes a good pair of wool hiking socks and an inner pair of
polypropylene liners. The liners will transfer your perspiration away from your foot to the
wool sock, keeping your feet dry.
A fleece pull over is essential also. Temperature changes with altitude. The positives of a
fleece jacket or pull over is that they are warm, light weight, dry quickly, and the are easy to
clean and pack.
Now you need something to carry all your equipment in, and a plastic bag from WalMart isn't
going to work. A good pack is of strong durable material, has the proper room to pack your
gear and has an internal frame system. Properly used, the frame transfers the weight of
your pack to other parts of your body instead of just your shoulders and back.
Canteens have been around for years and work fine. The same with water bottles. But
the best way to go is a hydration system. This consists of a bladder, carried on your back
or the pack itself. A tube is connected to this bladder for quick and simple drinking and works
the same way as a straw. Remember: Keep yourself hydrated.
Now we come to food. You need something that is high energy, and weights little. On a
day trip this is not a problem. One meal, and enough snacks to keep up your energy. Dried
soups, such as Lipton, dehydrated meals where you just add water, or a MRE (meals ready
to eat, not the old fashion C Rations type is another option) Trail mix* and high energy bars
will keep you going between major meals. Trail mix recipes abound and they are very easy to
make.
A hiking stick or staff will be of a great help also. They help you balance, assist you when
crossing streams, and you can use them as a crutch if you opt to buy cheap hiking boots.
Other items: sunglasses, small first aid kit, water proof matches, compass, map of area, and
a good knife, rain gear or at least an emergency poncho.
1. Know your physical condition
2. Know the area you're hiking
3. Tell someone where you're and when you will return.
4. Quality boots, and socks.
5. Proper clothing, bring extra.
6. Daypack. Pack according to your trip, then some.
7. Water, canteen, water bottle or hydration system.
8. Walking stick. Buy one or make one.
9. Knife, compass, maps, first aid kit, water proof
matches.
10. Food, high energy snacks, freeze dried meals,
trail mix, jerky, dried fruit are options.
MOST IMPORTANT: What you take in, bring out. Do Not
litter. What I find disgusting is the garbage and filth I see
along the trail and at camp sites. This garbage is dumped by
lazy, stupid people and it ruins it for everyone else.
2. Know the area you're hiking
3. Tell someone where you're and when you will return.
4. Quality boots, and socks.
5. Proper clothing, bring extra.
6. Daypack. Pack according to your trip, then some.
7. Water, canteen, water bottle or hydration system.
8. Walking stick. Buy one or make one.
9. Knife, compass, maps, first aid kit, water proof
matches.
10. Food, high energy snacks, freeze dried meals,
trail mix, jerky, dried fruit are options.
MOST IMPORTANT: What you take in, bring out. Do Not
litter. What I find disgusting is the garbage and filth I see
along the trail and at camp sites. This garbage is dumped by
lazy, stupid people and it ruins it for everyone else.
*Trail Mix
1 cup combination diced dried fruit,
such as prunes, dates, apricots, pears,
apples, pineapple, raisins or
combination there of
1 1/2 cups (un)salted sunflower seeds
1 cup (un)salted dry-roasted peanuts
(or honey-roasted peanuts, chopped
walnuts or unsalted almonds)
1 cup combination diced dried fruit,
such as prunes, dates, apricots, pears,
apples, pineapple, raisins or
combination there of
1 1/2 cups (un)salted sunflower seeds
1 cup (un)salted dry-roasted peanuts
(or honey-roasted peanuts, chopped
walnuts or unsalted almonds)
